Facebook tracking Mouse cursor movements as part of ‘never ending’ data capture
Facebook is testing new data capture technology, including tracking mouse movements and hovering, which could be rolled out within a couple of months, its analytics chief Ken Rudin said.
"It's a never ending phase."
The Wall Street Journal reported that Facebook may start collecting data on “minute user interactions with its content, such as how long a user’s cursor hovers over a certain part of its website”.
It said that the captured information could be used to assist the more precise targeting of advertising.
“The tests are ongoing and part of a broader technology testing program, but Facebook should know within months whether it makes sense to incorporate the new data collection into the business,” the Wall Street Journal reported Mr Rudin as stating.
“Did your cursor hover over that ad, and was the newsfeed in a viewable area,” Rudin said.
“It is a never-ending phase. I can’t promise that it will roll out. We probably will know in a couple of months,” he added.
Mashable reported that the mouse hover tracking is being tested now with a small group of users.
Facebook today announced a 66 percent increase in advertising revenues.
Computer Mouse image via Shutterstock